England finished the standalone ODI series against South Africa with a flourish but the Proteas had the last laugh by claiming a 2-1 victory.
Twin defeats in Bloemfontein meant victory in Kimberley was a mere consolation for double world champions England, who have now gone four ODI series without a win.
With just a few months to go until they defend their World Cup title in India in the autumn, the PA news agency looks at their prospects.
Is it all doom and gloom?
Jofra Archer was back to his best in the third #SAvENG ODI ? pic.twitter.com/emWp4kjblL
— ICC (@ICC) February 2, 2023
No. Scheduling conflicts and injuries meant England were unable to summon their best XI – a recurring theme since their 2019 World Cup win. Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Mark Wood and Liam Livingstone were all unavailable, with Ben Duckett and Harry Brook thrown in at the coalface. Brook, in particular, did his chances going forward no harm, while it was heartening to see Jofra Archer back in an England shirt after 22 months away. He is likely to get better and better if he stays fit.
Any positives from this series?
How did the players rate?
Do England need Ben Stokes back for the World Cup?
Begins with S ends with E and has chedul in there as well https://t.co/U2aF9FOSDw
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 27, 2023
The short answer is: yes. In England’s last two World Cup finals Stokes has been the batting linchpin and gotten his side over the line by hook or by crook. But, as it stands, he is simply unavailable in the format because of increasing demands on his time. He may reverse his ODI retirement ahead of the World Cup – and he would be welcomed back with open arms by Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott. But had Stokes been available in ODIs, it is unlikely he would have made the trip to South Africa because of the close proximity to the New Zealand Test series, which starts in a couple of weeks.
How are England shaping up for the World Cup?
From 14-3 to post 346 ?Two classy centuries ?Jofra on ? See it all ?
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 2, 2023
It is, of course, too early to tell but next month’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh – where the pitches could resemble India’s – may offer some clues. They are England’s last ODI fixtures until September, when they will be putting the finishing touches to their squad. Several fringe players are electing to skip the tour for financial or family reasons so there is plenty of opportunity for those travelling.
Any places still up for grabs?
